Using Pattern Homogenization of Binary Masks to Fabricate Microfluidic Structures With 3D Topography

Published

May 2, 2007

Author(s)

Francisco J. Atencia, Susan E. Barnes, Jack F. Douglas, John Meacham, Laurie E. Locascio

Abstract

Because fluids at the microscale form three dimensional interfaces and are subject to three dimensional forces, the ability to create microstructures with modulated topography over large areas could greatly improve control over microfluidic phenomena (e.g., capillarity and mass transport) and enable exciting novel microfluidic applications. Here we report a method for the fabrication of three-dimensional relief microstructures, based on the emergence of smooth features when a photopolymer is exposed to UV light through a transparency mask with binary motifs. We show that homogeneous features emerge under certain critical conditions that are also common to other, apparently unrelated phenomena such as the emergence of macroscopic continuum properties of composite materials and the rates of ligand binding to cell membrane receptors. This fabrication method is simple, inexpensive and yet it allows for the fabrication of microstructures over large areas (centimeters) with topographic modulation of features with characteristic dimensions smaller than 100 micrometers

Citation

Lab on A Chip

Volume

7

Issue

11

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

homogenization theory, microfabrication, microfluidics

Citation

Atencia, F. , Barnes, S. , Douglas, J. , Meacham, J. and Locascio, L. (2007), Using Pattern Homogenization of Binary Masks to Fabricate Microfluidic Structures With 3D Topography, Lab on A Chip, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=830553 (Accessed November 4, 2025)